Student parking at Nashua high schools a concern

NASHUA — Elected officials are considering a proposed ordinance that would help authorities enforce student parking rules at both of the city’s high schools.

Alderman Richard Dowd, Ward 2, is sponsoring the recommended ordinance in an effort to address parking concerns from school administrators.

“Of course, there isn’t enough parking,” Dowd said of Nashua High School North and Nashua High School South, where a limited number of parking permits are issued to students each school year.

Although parking permits are required, Dowd said there is still a problem with students parking on school grounds without permits.

To try to curb some of the excessive parking, Dowd has submitted a proposed ordinance that — if approved — would prohibit parking on school property without permission from the Nashua School District.

Alderman Ken Siegel, Ward 9, said Dowd’s proposal could have unintended consequences as it is currently written. While Siegel said he is sympathetic to the lack of student parking at the schools, he said the proposed ordinance should include more explanation and detail.

The proposal is not meant to restrict visitors from parking on school grounds, according to Dowd, who said visitor parking spots will still be available. Instead, it is meant to stop students from parking at the high schools without the necessary permits, he said.

The school district does not want to make the regulation too restrictive, but would prefer to keep the language relatively broad, yet more enforceable, said Dowd.

The school district is prepared to purchase and install signs for the schools explaining the parking rules, which are only mandated during school hours when school is in session, he said.

On Wednesday, the aldermanic Infrastructure Committee voted to recommend final passage of the ordinance. The full Board of Aldermen will now have to vote on the issue.